Long Island EFL (A Story: First Black Professional Player) (Week #5 Completed) (Standings, Coaching, Game Scores, Leaderboard, and Week #6 Schedule)

[Long island EFL]

 

(Long Island Electric Football League) November 11, 2023. (Completed Week #5 Write Ups). Written by Levi Vick, Joey Pizz, Kevin Mack, and Paddy Brannigan, with a special article by LIEFL commissioner William "Billy" O'Connell ...

Like to read in this hobby? History and proximity matters in our league. With the LIEFL 2023 season winding down, the intensity, and sometimes tempers are on the rise with coaches hunting for that $3200 dollar prize.  LIEFL Coach Kevin Mack said, "Not that anyone cares, nor does it matter if they do really, but the reason we released the last write-ups on the first 8 games played early in this historic league is because it takes lots of time to do these write-ups, and those write ups were completed. We write the articles to preserve LIEFL history."
 

Since our leader, Billy O'C is out, we do our best to publish and contribute what we have written as soon as possible to make our news timely. Billy O'C wrote an article in August that he asked us to publish in this edition. Our coaches think we have done an excellent job preserving LIEFL history and legacy in O'C's absence. We are releasing the article about professional football's first black player in this feature.
The LIEFL is so exciting at this point as we inch closer to the 2023 playoffs! We grown men continue tradition here on Long Island. Suffolk County is the home of the Long Island Electric Football League.

(Photo: Robert Moses Bridge, (Right) Fire Island Lighthouse (Above Left).

Living on Long Island is expensive. A little more history. With a population of 1.5 million people in Suffolk County, Long Island is famous for its beaches, bagels, mansions, and its proximity to New York City. It’s also home to beautiful sights like the photo above, and Oheka Castle, Montauk lighthouse, and the Vanderbilt estate, in addition to boasting some of the best school districts in the country. 

Sadly, Long Island is also very segregated, and that is the part about Long Island people choose to ignore, but most of us in this league grew up in average income areas of the county, but we enjoyed the same commodities of living near pristine beaches just like the wealthy.

In sports, Long Island is known for having excellent Soccer, Lacrosse, and Wrestling athletes. Some of us played football in other states, so it is arguable when it comes our opinions on football, but the most famous Long Island Football players are Jim Brown (Manhasset), Boomer Esiason (East Islip), Lyle Alzado (Lawrence), Kevin Baugh (Deer Park), Vinny Testaverde (Sewanhaka), and Rob Moore (Hempstead).

Average property taxes on Long Island are at a premium and like the rest of us hard-working people, you don't get much for your money. Unfortunately, Long Island is 47% more costly to live than the rest of the country, and one of the most expensive places to live in the United States because of our proximity to New York City. Just 30 miles from that photo in the caption above, we could see the billowing smoke of the Twin Towers burning 22 years ago on September 11th, 2001. Many of us lost friends.

THANKSGIVING DAY GAMES:

Switching gears here, planning for the holiday season is always a challenge for our league, but we manage to do it with pride and seamless amazing commitment and dedication from our coaches.

As we plan for our Thanksgiving Bowl Games in an exciting LIEFL Week #6, it looks like there will be a three BIG matchups in the LIEFL beginning at 9:00am between Coach Joey Pizz New York Giants (3-2) against Levi Vick's Dallas Cowboys (3-2), who remain in the playoff hunt in the NFC as we continue a commitment to Thanksgiving Dy Game tradition in the league. The second game will feature Coach Joe Bino's Indianapolis Colts (4-0) against league "loud-mouth and tough guy" Johnny-Freeport and his Baltimore Ravens (2-2) at 10:00am! Finally, the last game of the day will feature Coach Joey Pizz and his Minnesota Vikings (1-4) at Coach Johnny-Freeport's Detroit Lions (2-3) at 10:45.

What would Thanksgiving be without the Lions frontman Dexter Bussey and the Cowboys Emmitt Smith playing. The LIEFL's loudest Coach, Johnny-Freeport said, "You can't take the Buzz in electric football out of me. With just two seasons remaining, I will miss the game when Billy O'C folds. I am gonna also miss the arguing, the taunting, and the guys. Who knows. I am retired and enjoying life at 55, and if someone on Long Island has a big money league, I am qualified to play in any league, but be ready for some beatings." 

A LOOK BACK: Last season's 2022 Thanksgiving Bowl Games, featured the brawling Cleveland Browns who beat the Chicago Bears 7-3, and in the second game, the Detroit Lions defeated the Baltimore Ravens 14-7!

The Long Island Electric Football League brought back tradition, with one of the most electrifying players in the LIEFL, Dexter Bussey. The slow-starting Detroit Lions crushed the winless Baltimore Ravens. Bussey ran the ball 12 times for 83 yards with two touchdowns, including a 29-yard touchdown scamper to give the Detroit Lions their first win of the season over the winless Ravens. In the second game, the Cleveland Browns were able to contain the Chicago Bears.  Maybe the real story of the day was Cleveland's defense. They held LIEFL All-Pro star return man Willie Gault to just 69-yards total all-purpose yards in the game. That was enough to give the Browns what they needed to edge the Bears 7-3! Cleveland running back Mike Pruitt finished the day with 47 yards rushing with one touchdown. Cleveland's front line kept the ball almost the entire first half. That's was that was all Browns needed to beat the Bears on Thanksgiving Day! 

In this season's Thanksgiving Bowl Games, the Giants-Cowboys, and Colts-Ravens games have playoff ramifications, with all four teams vying for a spot in the LIEFL Super Bowl XVIII Tournament in December. The Lions still have a small window of hope and an outside shot at making the NFC playoffs. There are 8 teams in the LIEFL who have lost four games. That is a record for us. This season has been about the prey and predator with so many close games which in turn have channeled teams to have fierce battles in every single game, as readers know by what they are reading.

The trash talking has begun early. Coach Bino said, "I pay no attention to Freeport's talk. I will do all my talking on the field. His Ravens have lots of weaknesses, and with Joseph Addai, it's going to be a long day for them." The 6'4" Johnny-Freeport said, "It will be a nice Thanksgiving because it's time I teach all of these coaches in this league a lesson by giving the overrated Colts a beatdown. I am not only the fastest setup guy, I am the best at thinking on my feet. I still have a football mind just like when I played defensive end, stuffing offensive "punky" pretty-boy quarterbacks, running backs and offensive linemen. Bring it!" Coach Levi Vick said, "The talk never ends for this guy. He's a madman (Laughing), but one of the funniest guys I know."

Desire at its best: UCLA'S KENNY WASHINGTON ...THE JACKIE ROBINSON OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL?

 VETERANS DAY SPECIAL. The Long Island Electric Football League takes great pride in cultivating and preserving history. Also, thank you to our veterans who have served our country.

We promote all decent people not limited to our plastic athletes and the preservation of their names. Too often, the history of black players and the roadblocks and obstacles they faced are in some ways downplayed, but the irony of their history is how they contributed to their respective teams while battling racial inequality and equity. We can't forget the story of Chicago Bears Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo and their relationship either. It was the first time a white and black player became roommates. What does it take to recognize our similarities and our differences in understanding our human existence?

Imagine being the first of anything, especially when it comes to racial integration in 1939. Here we are 84 years later, and we are still talking about the color barriers in America with terms like diversity, inclusion, and equity.  

LIEFL Commissioner, Professor of Communication, William O'Connell said, "There is a history of the first black player in professional football, but to think that as a culture people of color had to qualify to exist, is astonishing." Most of us know NFL history, but just in case ...

Remember, in the ultimate display of tolerance, Jackie Robinson had it in his contract to not react to people even if they spat at him, but Robinson wasn't just a baseball player and frequent recipient of racism, he was more of a Superhuman who had to endure perhaps the most ignorant perceptual set of his era as a man of color! 

Robinson (Robinson's UCLA Football Jersey-Right) was a star at UCLA in football, basketball (as the leading scorer), track, and baseball. He still holds the record for the longest run from scrimmage (99-yards) at UCLA as a four-star athlete! But, if Robinson didn't turn great in his sport, what more racial discrimination would he have faced? Discrimination illustrates the importance of his greatness, and the spirit of the man. He awakened a culture to the importance of racial equality during one of the most trying times in history for young black men, and he did it quietly. Robinson was educated at one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country at UCLA, not to mention. 

After the depression sports venues were on the rise and sports became more organized. By the early 1940s, sports organizations tried to entertain Americans. Then after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, disruption in sports schedules could not be avoided. Most professional and college athletes were eligible for military service, and those who were qualified soon signed up. On this veterans day November 11th, we duly note and salute Jackie Robinson's military service to the United States Army during WWII, and all veterans who have served this country.

Jackie Robinson wasn't alone in combating the racial barriers of his time. His teammate at UCLA, Kenny Washington, is a guy you may not have heard of. Washington starred next to Robinson in both football and baseball at UCLA with a .300 batting average. Fast forward to UCLA Kenny Washington's professional football career. Washington is one of those "FIRSTS" in players who crossed the ignorant racial barriers which soured our nation in 1939. While Kenny Washington's injuries cost him his willingness to serve his country, he served in other ways.

 

The History Channel covered a piece on Kenny Washington, the first black professional football player.  The image of Kenny Washington (Photo Above) was taken at the height of his college career, when he wore number 13 on his chest. "Washington would play 580 minutes out of 600. The colors of the uniform have been recreated in consultation with UCLA. “In the 1930’s the UCLA jersey was a navy blue with gold lettering accents, and pants were gold as well,” says Emily Knox, Senior Art Director at UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame. “The shoes were black. The helmet is made from leather with a lighter brown shade.”

Other images from the same period show Kenny Washington photographed with his fellow black teammates, Jackie Robinson and Woodrow "Woody" Strode. We know Jackie Robinson's stardom at UCLA and the barriers he broke, and what he had to overcome playing in Major League Baseball for the Dodgers. Washington and his comrades exude the athleticism and confidence of naturally talented young athletes. Yet each regularly faced racial taunts and discrimination. They could not play in Texas, for example, because hotels and restaurants would not serve them, but what the south didn't acknowledge was that these men were dignified. "The men were more than football players and athletes, said LIEFL Coach Paddy Brannigan. They were movers and shakers who were way ahead of their time, standing up to a culture filled with discrimination and racism, but they loved the game of football, and they knew that they could compete with anybody, and that is the beauty of their story. They are the trailblazers who paved the way for the athletes of today who might take their success for granted. I would be shocked if all these spoiled millionaire athletes even heard of Kenny Washington."

Breaking down barriers.
In 1939, the men-of-men were dealing with different issues during this era. After the Second World War ended, the NFL was compelled to abandon its discriminatory policies. Don't forget if you know history, 1945 began the Allied Bombing Campaign and the fall of Nazi Germany with 1,415,745 tons of bombs dropped. The NFL or professional league at the time, made great progress in integrating players of color who had to fight for their right to play professional football. There is a fine line between the argument, did professional football change to respect black players, or to make money off of talented black players? The LA Rams in 1945 were champions who newly relocated from Cleveland.

Progress: The Rams were required to sign African American players or lose their lease on the LA Memorial Coliseum. On March 21st 1946, and by 1947, Washington became their marquee signing: the first black player to sign an NFL contract in the postwar era. (Strode followed two months later.) And so, Washington was not alone in crossing the racial barriers, but he was the first. He is part of a small group known today as "The Forgotten Four" of Marion Motley, teammate Woody Strode, and Bill Willis selected for the Ralph Hay Award. 

In the Long Island Electric Football League, our Los Angeles Rams celebrate many players of color with a historic lineup of Deacon Jones, Jackie Slater, Rosey Grier, Wendell Tyler, and "The Reverend" Isaac Bruce.

With all that is going on in the World, today is a day to reflect and celebrate the historic lives of Kenny Washington, Jackie Robinson and Woodrow Strode, and the rest of these pioneers! Washington would eventually play three seasons on knees that had been surgically rebuilt, but he held his own in the 27 games he played, averaging over six yards per carry before his retirement in 1948. There was no championship title for these guys, and Kenny Washington did not repeat the stardom he had enjoyed at college level a decade earlier. He became a player who was roughhoused and targeted on the field, but his brave place in history is unmistakable. He surpassed the barriers of his time and went on to become an LAPD Police Officer and Hollywood actor  ... 

We wonder if the NFL players of today even know who Kenny Washington and Woodrow Strode are. Washington died of heart and lung problems in Los Angeles in 1971 at the young age of 52.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2023 LONG ISLAND ELECTRIC FOOTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS

(AFTER 5 WEEKS)         LIEFL 7^th REGULAR 7-GAME SEASON STANDINGS

2022 LIEFL CHAMPION: Kansas City Chiefs Matt Zoo York

                                 LIEFL AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

AFC East	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	NFC
Miami (7-3)	4	1	71	62	9	3-0	1-1	1-0	4-0	0-1
Buffalo (4-3)	4	1	118	92	16	3-0	1-1	2-0	4-1	0-0
New England (5-3)	3	2	58	71	7	2-0	1-2	0-2	2-2	1-0
New York (3-4)	1	4	76	103	10	1-2	0-2	0-2	1-3	0-1
TOTALS:

 

AFC West	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	NFC
Los Angeles (6-2)	4	1	62	47	8	4-0	0-1	2-0	3-1	1-0
Denver (3-4)	4	1	76	55	10	2-0	2-1	1-1	3-1	1-0
Kansas City (8-3)	2	3	89	89	11	2-0	0-3	0-1	2-1	0-2
LV Raiders (3-4)	2	3	96	107	13	2-0	0-3	0-1	1-3	1-0
TOTALS:

 

AFC North	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	NFC
Baltimore (3-4)	3	2	76	69	10	2-0	1-2	2-0	2-1	1-1
Pittsburgh (3-4)	2	3	90	104	12	2-0	0-2	1-1	1-3	1-0
Cincinnati (3-4)	2	3	76	76	10	2-0	0-3	1-2	1-3	1-0
Cleveland (4-4)	1	4	76	79	10	1-2	0-2	1-2	1-4	0-0
TOTALS:

 

AFC South	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	NFC
Indianapolis (3-4)	4	1	89	69	12	3-0	1-1	1-0	3-1	1-0
Houston (3-4)	2	3	58	75	8	0-2	2-1	1-1	1-1	1-1
Jacksonville (3-4)	1	4	69	75	7	1-2	0-1	1-1	1-3	0-1
Tennessee (5-3)	1	4	51	69	6	1-2	0-2	0-1	1-3	0-1
TOTALS:

 NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

NFC East	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	AFC
Washington (3-5)	5	0	76	40	10	3-0	2-0	2-0	4-0	1-0
Dallas (2-5)	3	2	85	84	11	2-1	1-1	0-1	1-2	2-0
New York (7-3)	3	2	76	72	10	2-0	1-2	1-1	3-2	0-0
Philadelphia (3-4)	1	4	75	90	6	0-2	1-2	0-1	1-3	0-1
TOTALS:

 

NFC West	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	AFC
Los Angeles (2-5) X	4	1	78	52	10	3-0	1-1	2-0	3-1	1-0
San Francisco (7-4)	1	4	52	64	7	1-1	0-3	1-1	1-2	0-2
Seattle (3-4)	1	4	83	100	11	1-2	0-2	0-1	1-3	0-1
Arizona (2-5)	1	4	69	80	9	1-1	0-3	0-1	1-4	0-0
TOTALS:

 

NFC North	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	AFC
Green Bay (5-3)	4	1	89	73	11	2-0	2-1	2-0	4-1	0-0
Chicago (3-4)	3	2	103	97	15	2-1	1-1	1-1	2-1	1-1
Detroit (3-4)	2	3	81	82	11	2-1	0-2	0-2	1-3	1-0
Minnesota (4-5)	1	4	44	69	5	1-2	0-2	1-0	1-2	0-2
TOTALS:

 

NFC South	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	AFC
Atlanta (5-3)	4	1	94	79	15	2-0	2-1	1-0	3-1	1-0
Carolina (5-3)	3	2	89	86	11	1-0	2-2	1-0	2-1	1-1
Tampa Bay (3-4)	3	2	97	92	13	2-2	2-0	0-2	2-2	1-0
New Orleans (1-6)	1	4	61	73	7	2-1	0-2	0-0	1-2	0-1
TOTALS:

X-CLINCHED DIVISION TITLE & PLAYOFF SPOT

 

LIEFL COACHES	W	L	ALL TIME RECORDS AS OF 2022
ED VIGGS	14	6	(399-339)49ers, Chargers, Redskins, Packers
LEVI VICK	7	7	(22-34) Cowboys, Patriots, Texans
PADDY BRANNIGAN	9	6	(347-322) Steelers, Bears, Broncos
JOEY PIZZ	8	12	(338-360) Jets, Vikings, Giants, Buccaneers
JOHNNY FREEPORT	11	9	(225-280) Falcons, Lions, Ravens, Bengals
MATT ZOO-YORK	7	12	(263-285) Eagles, Panthers, Chiefs, Browns
BOBBY BIGGS	3	12	ROOKIE SEASON Jaguars, Seahawks and Saints
KEVIN MAC	4	11	(334-354) Cardinals, Raiders, Titans
JOE BINO	8	2	(ALTERNATE COACH) Dolphins, Bills, Colts, Rams

COMPLETE FOR SEASON

BILLY O’C

8

2

(420-301) Dolphins, Bills, Colts, Rams

LIEFL WEEK #5 COMPLETED 

Player of the Week #5

 

 

 

 

LIEFL WEEK#5 SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

1.      14 Raiders (2-2) at Dolphins (3-1)17 (MIA-Morris 9-127-2/49TD, Duper 3-164-0/72, LVR Casper 3-162-1/92)

2.      14 Falcons (3-1) at Texans (2-2)3 (HOU-Dayne 7-123-0/79)

3.      14 Chiefs (2-2) at Bears (2-2)17 (CHI-Payton9-113-2/41TD, Gault 3-138-0/50, KC-Holmes 5-120-2/58)

4.      10 Chargers (3-1) at Jaguars (1-3)7 (JAC-Taylor 9-195-1/82)

5.      7 Packers (4-0) at Giants (2-2)14 (NYG-Bradshaw 2-136-0 GB-Sharpe 2-124-0/81)

6.      3 Titans (1-3) at Bills (3-1)14 (BUF-Brown 2-104-0/55)

7.      0 Jets (1-3) at Redskins (4-0) 14 (WAS-Green 6-134-2/68)

8.      14 Cowboys (3-1) at Cardinals (0-4)21 (AZ-Gray 4-176-1/73TD, DAL-Smith 7-112-2/46)

9.      27 Eagles (0-4) at Seahawks (1-3) 21 (6:56 OT) (SEA-Lynch 10-288-3/100TD, PHI-Byars 11-103-2/28, Carmichael 4-298-2/2x100TDS)

10.  14 Broncos (3-1) at Vikings (1-3) 7 (MIN-Jefferson 3-145-0/50, McCaffery 2-100-2/54TD)

11.  16 Rams (3-1) at 49ers (1-3) 10 (5:03 OT) (SF-Rice 3-147-0/77, LAR-Bruce 4-220-1/92)

12.  17 Ravens (2-2) at Browns (1-3)14 (4:07 OT) (BAL-Mason 3-131-0/50, CLE-Pruitt 9-104-2/50TD)

13.  14 Bengals (2-2) at Steelers (1-3)17 (7:47 OT) (Pitt-Swann 4-239-1/100TD, CIN-Collinsworth 3-151-1/100TD)

14.  0 Saints (1-3) at Lions (1-3)7 (NO 100 YARD PLAYERS)

15.  7 Colts (4-0) at Patriots (2-2)10 (NE-Gronkowski 2-102-0/76)

16.  34 Panthers (2-2) at Buccaneers (3-1)28 (3:21 OT) (TB-Bell 4-160-3/65TD, Giles 4-240-1/100TD, CAR-Foster 9-216-4/60TD, Jones 6-289-1/69).

Game of the Week: 34 Panthers (2-2) at Buccaneers (3-1)28 (3:21 OT)(TB-Bell 4-160-3/65TD, Giles 4-240-1/100TD, CAR-Foster 9-216-4/60TD, Jones 6-289-1/69).

Player of the Week: CAR-DeShaun Foster for his 216-yard four touchdown performance against TAMPA BAY!

THE EAGLES HAVE LANDED IN HUGE UPSET OVER SEAHAWKS 21-14!

Eagles (0-4) - Seahawks (1-3) 

Coach Matt Zoo-York's Philadelphia Eagles have surprisingly not won a game this season. The Philadelphia Eagles have to be one of the most disappointing teams this year in the league. The worst thing that can happen to a team in this league is to lose home games, and for Philadelphia, they've created bad breaks for themselves. With Keith Byars and Harold Carmichael as offensive threats, there should be no excuses for having a high-scoring team. Having the Redskins-Giants and Cowboys on your list of teams to play though is a huge challenge. The Eagles have suffered the brunt of these teams in the NFC East. The East is stacked with great coaching and competition and winning the division usually comes down a phenomenal finish. 

The Seahawks have also had a disappointing season at (1-3), so both teams meet on common ground. Marshawn Lynch is due to explode and there couldn't be a better time than now to do that then today. Lynch is playing hard, ranked 5th in NFC all-purpose yards with 29 touches for 920 yards with seven touchdowns.  Coach Bobby Biggs Seahawks have to take advantage of the Eagles in the running attack and that's where Lynch is so good but he can also destroy a team on special teams. Seattle has to step up and shut down Keith Byars, but that's not all. In order to have a chance making the playoffs this undersized 67-Big Men Seahawks team has to do what they're capable of doing, and that is scoring points.

THE GAME: 

The Eagles have landed! You just can never tell who will be the spoiler of the LIEFL, but it started today in the game between Coach Matt Zoo-York's Philadelphia Eagles, who have to be one of the most disappointing teams this year in the league and the Rookie Coach Bobby Biggs Seattle Seahawks. The worst thing that can happen to a team in this league is to lose home games. With Keith Byars and Harold Carmichael on the Eagles, there should be no excuses for hard play. Having the Redskins-Giants and Cowboys on your list of teams to play is a huge challenge, and the Eagles have suffered the brunt of these teams in the NFC East.

The Seahawks have also had a disappointing season. So both teams meet on common ground. Marshawn Lynch is due to explode and there couldn't be a better time than today. Lynch will look to take advantage of the Eagles in the running attack, and that's where the Seahawks are so good, but Lynch can also destroy a team on special teams. Seattle has to step up and shut down Keith Byars, but that's not all. In order to have a chance making the playoffs this team has to do what they're capable of doing, and that is scoring points.

 

To open the game Marshawn Lynch ran back a 40-yard kickoff return. It only took Lynch two plays to run around the right side of the field for a 60-yard touchdown to give the Seahawks the opening possession lead 7-0! The speedy line of the Seahawks forced the Eagles to trap left and the door was opened for Lynch who blazed down the field for the score. Bobby Biggs was very happy with the play! But guess what? Harold Carmichael is back!

On the next play of the game, Carmichael ran back an amazing 100-yard touchdown down the right lane of the field to tie the score with an imposing run, 7-7 game! What a run! We haven't seen Carmichael run like that since the last two games of the 2022 season!

The battle in the trenches was terrific between these two teams. Seahawks lineman Cortez Kennedy and Philadelphia's LIEFL All-Pro Hugh Douglas went head-to-head going after each other in a great matchup.

On the Seahawks next kick return Marshawn Lynch ran back 65 yards to the Eagles 35-yard line. Lynch inched his way up the field to the 11-yard line before the timer went off for the half.

The first play of the second half saw the Seahawks blow a hole right to the left side of the three hole for Marshawn Lynch to go into the end zone from 11-yards away to score his second touchdown of the game with the Seahawks in the lead 14-7!

 

On a blazing run on the ensuing kickoff Eagles Harold Carmichael ran back his second consecutive 100-yard touchdown of the game, to tie the score at 14-14, with 12:47 remaining in the game! Carmichael is red hot!

The intensity was building! My goodness ... Marshawn Lynch answered Carmichael's touchdown on the ensuing kickoff with his own 100-yard kick return to up the ante in the game! Wow! Both of these teams are exploding on offense!

The Seahawks lead 21-14 with just under four minutes to play in the game!

When the Eagles got the ball back they worked on killing the clock as Harold Carmichael returned another big run of 54-yards setting up the Eagles March downfield from the 46-yard line of the Seahawks. Philadelphia drove the offense with runs of 16, 5, six, and finally on a 9-yard pass into the end zone with 10 seconds left in the game, Keith Byars scored on a game tying touchdown 21-21, sending this game into overtime! Surprise surprise! The winless Eagles never quit in any game this year they've been in every game.

The Eagles won the coin toss in overtime! Coach Zoo was going crazy! The excitement of games like this can really destroy the ego of a man. Do some people take this game too serious? Bobby Biggs morale was damaged! Let this be a lesson that every coach in the league better not forget what days like this feels like. Biggs will come back stronger than ever with the hopes of at least getting one team into the playoffs this season. The Seahawks were that team, but they are on the back of an electric fence trying to fight their way out from being fried. What an overtime game against a revived Eagles team that came to play today.

IN OVERTIME:

The Philadelphia Eagles (1-4) won their first game of the season at a ripe time in overtime. They played like a playoff team moving the ball downfield after a 44-yard kick return by Harold Carmichael. Carmichael exploded for 298 all-purpose yards in the game, with two 100-yard kick returns for touchdowns! It was Keith Byars and the Eagles front line who did all the work after Carmichael gave Philadelphia great field position. Byars had runs of 28, and a 21-yard touchdown run to win the game in overtime at 6:56 by the score of 27-21 in the upset! Byars rushed for 103-yards in 11 carries and the Eagles produced 401-all purpose yards with four touchdowns. These are the Eagles we waited for all season.

Bobby Biggs was in disbelief. He seemed to be very angry and in disbelief, but just like that ... his Seahawks were turned on their heads in the loss killing their hopes for any postseason play! We don't have quitters in our league, so Biggs will just have to suck it up. It does look like his Seahawks (1-4), are finished for the season because they appear close to being mathematically eliminated. Marshawn Lynch finished the day with a whopping ten all-purpose touches with 288-yards with three touchdowns, including a stunning 100-yard touchdown return and even with 305 yards on offense, Seattle couldn't get it done. 

The Seahawks had such high hopes this year, but in the hands of a new coach their destiny is unpredictable. Coach Zoo said, "Biggs is a terrific coach. It is just growing pains and learning the league, but I have no doubt he will be a beast. He seemed to really struggle with the fast setups and the ability to think on his feet in this game. I know that feeling because I went from winning a Super Bowl to losing lots of games this season. Coach Ed Viggs is the guy to beat." Biggs, now (3-11) had no comment.

BRONCOS IMPROVE TO (4-1) WITH UPSET OVER VIKINGS IN TOUGH BRAWL 21-14!

Broncos (3-1) Vikings (1-3) 

This is another one of those unpredictable matchups in the Long Island Electric Football League. Coach Paddy Brannigan's Denver Broncos lost to their division rival Los Angeles Chargers last week in a tough game, 21-14. Denver has become a powerhouse in the AFC West with the Chargers, but they're facing one of the best defenses in the game in the Minnesota Vikings, who have allowed 55 points. Right now the Washington Redskins are the #1 Defense with just 40-points allowed, or PA after five games.

Broncos running back LIEFL All-Pro Terrell Davis has been consistent for three seasons now, but this season opponents have put a lot of pressure on Davis, limiting his yardage. As a result, Coach Brannigan has been connecting with receiver Ed McCaffrey who has been the playmaker on offense with two touchdowns and 104 yards before this game, balancing the Broncos offensive attack. Davis is ranked currently 8th in AFC all-purpose yards with 40 touches for 807-yards, with just four touchdowns, including a single 100-yard touchdown. Last season Davis finished second in the AFC in all-purpose yards with big numbers. Davis had 67 touches for 1708 yards, with ten touchdowns, four of them 100-yard kick returns! The real question is, are they ready for the postseason or are they looking too far ahead?

Coach Joey Pizz' Minnesota Vikings surprised everyone last year after upsetting the Carolina Panthers in the LIEFL Super Bowl Tournament. The Vikings eliminated division rival Chicago Bears 14-7, in the final regular season game. Then, they took down the Panthers 31-14, in the NFC Wild Card Game. Finally, they were stopped by the New York Giants 38-35 in a war of a NFC Divisional Championship Game! Chuck Foreman was a hero for the Vikings in the playoffs for Minnesota. 

The biggest question for the Minnesota Vikings is Adrian Peterson. Peterson has lost a little of his edge and productivity as the Vikings have become a defensive team rather than impose their offense. Coach Joey Pizz says he's working on the issues as his Vikings play. Pizz said, "Unfortunately with all that is going on in the world I don't have time to practice, but let me say, electric football calms the nerves and brings lots of joy during dangerous times in the world." The Vikings have their backs against the wall in the NFC North, and it looks like they're going to have to rebuild once again. Where Minnesota needs changes, is at linebacker. They need to do a better job in the trenches in the middle and that's when Adrian Peterson will take flight. It is so strange that the Vikings have the same 11-men on defense who are so effective, but on offense, they underachieve. This should be a great defensive battle though today because Denver has a strong defense.

THE GAME:

The Vikings and Broncos clashed in a game balanced with high-octane offense and defense, and for Minnesota, Adrian Peterson launched his running game, while Vikings Coach Joey Pizz finally gave his receiver Justin Jefferson the chance to begin returning the football so that Peterson can focus on his running game. 

Minnesota's Justin Jefferson took the opening kickoff 50-yards right through the center of the Broncos defense. The Vikings went to work right away as the Broncos set up. In 28 seconds the Vikings were set. Adrian Peterson broke loose for an 8-yard run on first down and then on second down, he exploded for a 42-yard touchdown run into the endzone! It's the first time in a long time that we've see Peterson put his running legs on, 7-0, Vikings in the lead!

LIEFL All-Pro Terrell Davis came right back! Davis ran back a 52-yard kick return on the Broncos opening drive, but the Vikings defense stopped Davis from that point on with Davis rushing for just 20 yards in the game. Minnesota's Carl Eller and Jared Allen led the way. Denver would turn to their star this year, Ed McCaffery. On Third down, Mac flew into the endzone on an electrifying 46 yard touchdown catch to tie the game 7-7! 

Justin Jefferson returned his second 50-yard kick of the game, giving Minnesota great field position, byt the Vikings would have to earn every speck of the field against the Broncos defense led by Paul Smith. Adrian Peterson would be shut down after rushing for 62-yards in the game, and it's all the scoring Minnesota would have left as the Broncos line and Ed McCaffrey would take over scoring his second touchdown of the game for an explosive 54-yard touchdown catch, to give Denver the lead for good, 14-7!  The Broncos host the NFC's Chicago Bears (3-2) next week as the Broncos go to (4-1), tied with the LA Chargers for a battle in the AFC West! Terrell Davis 72 total yards, was held to under 100 all-purpose yards in the game. That says a lot about the Vikings (1-4) defense.Minnesota plays at Detroit next week in a great division rival matchup.

THE RAMS ARE BACK WITH 16-10 OT WIN OVER 49ERS TO CLINCH NFC WEST! 

 

Rams (3-1) - 49ers (1-3) If ever there was a time to win a game, this is the game for the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers. The Rams have a shot at clinching the NFC West today with a win over the 49ers. Seattle and Arizona are both out with (1-4) records. If the 49ers win they have a slight chance to make the NFC Playoffs, but right now the Rams, Washington, Dallas, the New York Giants, Green Bay, Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Detroit are in the NFC playoff picture. That is some lineup.

As the Rams celebrate "Kenny Washington Day" they rose to the occasion against division rival and defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers.  When it comes to these two opponents, the outcome is usually determined by two players LA's Isaac Bruce, and San Fran's Jerry Rice. The game can always go either way. The Rams have to backtrack to what they were three seasons ago, and the 49ers have lost the step with what appears to be an injury to plastic Jerry Rice. He has lost his touch. Rice was a sensation last year in the playoffs, but this year he has underperformed because last year's player base forget how to play, so Coach Ed Viggs dished the base. "I need my players to be at their best in this league, that is the bottom line, but Rice is off. This year Rice did not do his job, but that applies to my whole team, so if I can't this team moving in the right direction today, it will be tough to recover the season. Ricky Watters will have to step up and take on more responsibility to win this game. It's good that Arizona is (1-4), and Seattle is (1-4), which leaves us a small space to challenge the Rams for the NFC West."

PLAYER BASES:

Coach Viggs is extremely disappointed in the quality of the player bases of today, saying, " Some may disagree with me and that's fine, but I'm always interested in quality when it comes to true games accessories, not quantity. I think the best player bases ever made were in the 60s and early 70s. Proof of that is the amazing performers we still have 45 years later in our league. They have withstood the test of time. It's like everything else in the world, things have gone to junk and they don't make things the way they used to. I am a businessman. I don't mind paying whatever it costs for quality stuff. Even if they brought back some of the original specs for game boards of the seventies, I would buy three or four for the league if it was still running. I love Tudor Games, but Tudor went to some cheap lightweight player bases and we paid for lots of player bases until we could find even one who could perform in our league. Most of the guys who play this game around the world are working professionals who may very feel the same way as I do about the product. I'm not impressed by the other newer player bases either, and I would never pay what they ask for those bases. Again, it's not about the quantity it's about the quality. Whatever happened to the molds for those player bases I have no idea. Our league is not looking to make a name for itself, we know who we are. We are just trying to humbly add to the greatness of the hobby."

THE GAME:

On the opening kickoff coach Viggs decided to give Jerry Rice one more try and Rice ran back a 53-yard kick return to open the game. On first down in the trenches, 49ers running back Ricky Watters ran for a 17-yard first down on the first play of the game. Watters was stopped on the next two plays by a vicious LA Rams Fab-Five defense led by Deacon Jones, Jackie Slater, and Chris Long, forcing a third down pass to Dwight Clark who fell short of the first down on a 20-yard reception. The 49ers had to kick a field goal to take the lead 3-0!

 

Rams sensation Isaac Bruce opened the game with a 92-yard powerhouse kick return, but the Rams struggled as well on offense. San Francisco landed  their big boys right in the middle with Fred Dean, Charles Haley, and Randy Cross leading the way. That didn't stop Rams alternate Coach Bino as he threw a rocket to Isaac Bruce at the 18-yard line, with the Rams scoring the first touchdown of the game, 7-3 Rams, in the lead. 

 

Jerry Rice exploded on the next return for 77 yards. The 49ers could not run the football and as time was ticking away at 3:34 left in the game you have to wonder what's going through coach figs his mind as he tries to pull off a masterpiece. After losing 25-yards. On 3rd down, Roger Craig would break free at the 35-yard line and take it right into the end zone to give San Francisco the sudden lead 10-7.

On the hurry up set up Isaac Bruce exploded 70 yards in field goal range. The Rams tied the game with a field goal 10-10 sending the game into overtime! Wow the Rams won the overtime going toss!

This is going to settle the season right here for the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers as the Rams take back their dominance of the NFC West. 

OVERTIME: 

Isaac Bruce ran back the kick return in overtime, but he was turned by Merlin Olsen at the Rams 40-yard line. The Rams decided to give the ball to Eric Dickerson who ran for 6-yards on first down and then Dickerson was stopped on second down. Coach Bino is an excellent passer so on third down Bino set a trap which allowed Rams receiver Ricky Proehl to break free from San Francisco's Roger Craig. Proehl bolted downfield for a 57-yard touchdown reception to give the Rams the win in overtime 16-10 upsetting the San Francisco 49ers on their home turf! It's all over for San Francisco in 5:03 of overtime. Coach Viggs has to figure out what changes need to be made for his defending NFC Champion 49ers.

The Rams clinch the NFC West and they are headed back to the LIEFL Super Bowl Tournament!

RAVENS KNOCK BROWNS FROM PLAYOFF SHOT WITH 17-14 UPSET OT WIN!

Ravens (2-2) Browns (1-3)

Coach Johnny-Freeport's Baltimore Ravens have played well this year. They are right on the edge of possibly winning the AFC North but the one roadblock is this team that they're playing today in Matt Zoo-York's Cleveland Browns. The Ravens have been in every game this season but running back Jamal Lewis has not played the way he has in the past because "Baltimore has designed a defense that competes rather than worrying about an offense that scores," said Zoo-York. Lewis has just 65 yards rushing on 15 touches versus his 9th ranked AFC performance of last season which landed him 39 touches for 487-yards with eight touchdowns.

Here we are in Week #5, and Johnny-Freeport hasn't figured it out, but in all the chaos the Ravens are (2-2). Johnny-Freeport Chucker said, "Listen, Zoo should worry about his team scoring and not how I coach my team. I don't have to tell anyone my plans for the Ravens," but the Ravens have been focused on defense not thinking that they'd have issues on offense. Today is our day."

Derrick Mason has been on fire in the league for Baltimore, ranking 10th in AFC all-purpose yards. Mason won the game last week in the Ravens 17-14 victory against the 49ers with an electrifying 100-yard touchdown run. He's been a beast this season with 10 touches, and lots of damage returning the ball, with 755-yards and five 100-yard touchdowns! Cleveland will have their hands full and it will take crucial time management to beat the Ravens.

The other side of this important division game is that the Cleveland Browns have to make their move today in order to compete for the LIEFL Super Bowl Tournament. LIEFL All-Pro Linebacker Clay Matthews and rookie Ty Davis will be a key to this game. With the running game of Mike Pruitt and the special teams play of Jim Brown, Cleveland should pose a huge challenge to the Ravens in the trenches today. The steady and gritty Ravens led by the "Goose" Tony Siragusa, will be tough to beat on the inside, but so will the Browns, feared in the trenches by lineman Myles Garrett. The race to the finish line in the AFC North very interesting. 

The Browns made very few changes to their lineup. They played big in 2022, eventually losing to the Dolphins 38-34 in last year's AFC Wild Card Game. Making the playoffs opened the door to a hopeful 2023 for the Browns. The real question is how hungry are they for a playoff spot?

THE GAME:

Coach Johnny Freeport's Baltimore Ravens have played well this year. They are right on the edge of possibly winning the AFC North but the one roadblock is this team that they're playing today in Matt Zoo- York's Cleveland Browns. The Ravens running back Jamal Lewis has not played the way he as in the past, but Johnny Freeport believes he will contribute to the Ravens offense today because he thinks that the Ravens line can outplay the Browns based on the tough teams Baltimore has played. The Ravens laser-sharp defense is led by Tony "The Goose" Siragusa. Baltimore has been focused on defense not thinking that they'd have issues on offense.

 

... The Cleveland Browns made very few changes to their lineup. When the Browns loss to the Dolphins in last year's playoffs it opened the door to search for a linebacker who could compliment the play of LIEFL All-Pro Clay Matthews. They found Ty Davis who they drafted because they saw his player base potential. The real question is how hungry are the Browns for a playoff spot today? LIEFL All-Pro Clay Matthews will team up with Davis to crush the Ravens running game. With the running game of Mike Pruitt and the special teams play of Jim Brown, Cleveland should pose a huge challenge to the Ravens today. The steady and gritty Ravens led by Siragusa will be tough to beat on the inside. The race to the finish line in the AFC North should be very interesting. 

Browns superstar Jim Brown ran back a 46-yard kick return to open the game for Cleveland. The Browns put workhorse Mike Pruitt to work. Pruitt took over on seven carries totaling 54-yards as the Browns inched their way into Baltimore territory. Cleveland's offensive line pushed the Ravens to the limit with their backs against the wall until finally Mike Pruitt ran in a 12-yard touchdown to put Cleveland on the scoreboard first 7-0, Browns take the lead with 3:34 remaining in the half! Impressive start for Cleveland.

The Baltimore Ravens fired right back. On their first possession, the Ravens took the ball downfield on the kickoff return by Derrick Mason, speeding 34-yards in their own territory. Ravens running back Jamal Lewis then ran the ball and was stopped in the trenches on his first two runs. Then on third down, Lewis exploded on a  21-yard run for the first down, and he had another big run of  22-yards for his second consecutive first downs. The Ravens moved the ball. Lewis was then met by that big defensive line of the Browns led by Lineman Myles Garrett and linebackers Ty Davis and Clay Matthews who stopped Lewis on the next few plays. But on third down again, Johnny Freeport connected on a great pass to tight end Mark Andrews who launched a 34-yard touchdown reception, tying the score at 7-7! Wow!

The intensity was rising with Cleveland's Jim Brown exploding on the ensuing kickoff. Brown ran a 50-yard kick return to mid-field to begin the second half. The Browns handed the ball to reliable Mike Pruitt who barreled his way with a barrage of runs until finally he blew the doors open with a 50-yard touchdown run to give the Browns the 14-7 lead!

Cleveland tried to work the clock, leaving Baltimore with under two minutes remaining in the game under intense pressure to score. Coach Johnny-Freeport says he thrives under pressure.

It was LIEFL All-Pro Derrick Mason who came through BIG again! Mason gave the Ravens perfect field position at the 50-yard line, and one play later with seconds to go and the game Jamal Lewis took a 50-yard touchdown pass from Johnny-Freeport into the end zone to tie the game at 14-14, as the Browns ran out of time! WOW! My goodness, it is another intense LIEFL battle for position!

What a turn of events in this crucial game for both of these teams as we go into overtime!

The Ravens won the overtime coin-toss in overtime! Johnny Freeport went absolutely wild! This would be a hard one to swallow for Matt Zoo-York as a determined Derrick Mason blasted off again for a 47-yard kick return. It was Ravens running back Jamal Lewis who romped his way downfield with runs of 19, and 22-yards until the Ravens were close enough to the 12-yard line to kick the game winning field goal, beating the Cleveland Browns 17-14, at 4:07 in Overtime! What a darn Week #5 game which potentially puts the Browns playoff hopes in jeopardy.
  

The story of the day was Jamal Lewis and Derrick Mason, who put this team in a great spot to compete for the division title!

What a game!

The Cleveland Browns in the games they have lost have been by a margin of just three-points in each of their losses. That is respectable, because not a single game was a blowout. Ravens Coach Johnny Freeport said, "These fools in this league think I am all talk. Good that is what I want them to think because no matter what, I am finding ways to win. How bout that Jamal Lewis though!!! I am proud that I could be a spoiler against the Browns. We beat them up today!" Is the force on the Baltimore Ravens side? Lewis contributed a hard earned 121 all-purpose yards with a huge 50-yard touchdown reception to tie the game and send it into overtime! Teams and coaches are beginning to crumble under pressure in Week #5, in another upset! 

Baltimore (3-2) is at the top of the AFC North. The Ravens have a huge game next week when they host Indianapolis Colts star Joseph Addai. Then they face the red hot Chargers in Week #7 for a run at the LIEFL Super Bowl XVIII Tournament. Cleveland (1-4) didn't expect this loss today, but reality dictates the day. They are done and Zoo-York has to go back to the basics! The Browns last two games are on the road at Pittsburgh, and then Arizona. The game below is such a key matchup!

STEELERS TOUGH IT OUT BEATING BENGALS TO REGAIN EDGE IN AFC NORTH IN 17-14 OT THRILLER!

Bengals (2-2) - Steelers (1-3)

In the other half of the battle for the AFC North, it's a chance for the Steelers and Bengals to stay alive in the division as the Ravens advance closer to the title and the playoffs for their seventh time in ten seasons. 

Both the Bengals and Steelers are a work in progress. The Bengals just can't be ignored. It's evident that they are on the rise in the rankings. They haven't been steady in winning for some time, but Bengals Coach Johnny-Freeport insists his team is steady and ready at (2-2), saying, "Look, we have been on the rise this season and we have played all 2022 playoff teams. Don't ignore the fact that we beat Cleveland last week, and San Fran the week before. People see that San Fran and Cleveland are on the losing end of games, but they are excellent teams. It comes down to coaching. Two straight wins in this league by this team should tell you where we are at." Cincinnati's Ickey Woods has improved enough to contribute with 15 touches for 211 rushing yards with four touchdowns with his new player base, and the combination of Chad Ochocinco Johnson and Chris Collinsworth have a totaled 717 all-purpose yards with four touchdowns between the tandem. With Steelers linebackers Jack Lambert and Greg Lloyd in the middle, the challenge is real for the Bengals.

For the Steelers, even if they win the next three games and end up (4-3), they would lose the division if the Ravens end up (4-3), because Baltimore beat Pittsburgh in Week #1, 21-14! What a predicament!

The Steelers have played well this season with receiver Lynn Swann having an All-Pro season. Before the start of this game, Swann ranked 7th in AFC all-purpose yards with 16 touches for 932-yards, with six touchdowns, four of them 100-yard returns! He has been the difference in Pittsburgh's offense. "The Bus" Jerome Bettis is streaky, and the Steelers defense has struggled, giving up 90 points in four games. It's been a while since the Pittsburgh has made the playoffs. The last time they played in the postseason was against the New York Jets when the Steelers lost 34-31 in overtime in an unforgettable stinging upset during the 2016 season in the AFC Wild Card Game. But the Steelers have found a groove with Lynn Swann leading the way with his reliable play. Swann will cross the thousand yard mark for the first time in Pittsburgh's history at the position! 

THE GAME: 

Pittsburgh's Lynn Swann has been nothing less than impressive this season as he strives for his first 1,000 yard season. On the opening kickoff, Swann blazed 58-yards down the center of the field to set up running back Jerome Bettis and the Steelers running game. The Saints defense came to play, shutting down the Steelers running attack. Coach Paddy Brannigan's Steelers had a little extra to add by featuring Lynn Swann who exploded for a 43-yard first down in a third down situation. On the next play, a guy who hasn't seen much action for the Steelers, Rocky Bleier, ran a 5-yard play into the end zone to give the Steelers the lead 7-0!

 

Chris Collinsworth on the ensuing kickoff and opening possession for the Bengals, Collinsworth ran back a 41-yard kick return into traffic where he was clobbered by Rocky Bleier, who just scored the touchdown on the last play for the Steelers! 

 

To begin the second half Cincinnati's Chad Ochocinco had a 24-yard first down in a third down situation. Bengals running back Ickey Woods exploded for an 18-yard first down and the Steelers defense put up a battle as Chris Collinsworth had a 10-yard first down, bringing the ball to the 11-yard line of the Steelers with 7:13 remaining in the game. After a few failed runs by the Bengals, Woods went nowhere, forcing a third-down play for Cincinnati with just four minutes left to go in the game with the clock ticking. Finally, with 2:29 remaining in the game it was Ickey Woods who broke Free out of the Cincinnati backfield and into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown play on a great pass by Johnny-Freeport! It looks like this one's going to be a nail biting thriller across to cross the finish line! There's nothing better than two division rivals at war for a spot in the division! The game is tied Cincinnati 7 - Pittsburgh 7!

What unreal excitement in this nail biting buildup. Pittsburgh's Lynn Swann ran back a stunning 100-yard kick return to put the Steelers ahead 14-7! With 45 seconds to go in the game Chris Collinsworth ran back a heroic 100-yard touchdown to tie the game and put the game in overtime in an absolutely incredible game! Wow!

OVERTIME:

The Steelers won the overtime coin toss!
This is what division battle should be all about. The game should go right down to the last seconds of a game and this one for this division is historic. If the Steelers win this game they have a chance to take the advantage over Cincinnati in the playoff run for the division.

Lynn Swann again returned the ball, this time for 38-yards in overtime with Chris Collinsworth making the stop! After Rocky Bleier's run on first down, Bleier was stopped so the Steelers turned the ball over to Jerome Bettis, who was stopped on second down. But on third down, Rocky Bleier broke open for a 24-yard reception for a first down, bringing the Steelers to the 19-yard line of Cincinnati. The Steelers ended the game right there in 7:45 of overtime, 17-14! What a wild finish!

The Steelers (2-3) still have a fighting change in the AFC North as they host the Cleveland Browns (1-4) next week and then they are at the San Francisco 49ers (1-4) in the season finale while the Cincinnati Bengals lost their advantage in the playoff race.

The Bengals (2-3) host Houston next week and in their final game of the season they are at the red-hot LA Rams!

LIONS-SAINTS PLAY FIERCE DEFENSIVE BATTLE IN DETROIT 7-0 WIN!

Saints (1-3) - Lions (1-3)

This game between the Saints and Lions will be rookie coach Bobby Biggs toughest yet. He faces Coach Johnny-Freeport and Dexter Bussey, who regardless of Detroit's record, is a legendary force in this league. While the Lions have been pressed for answers, Johnny-Freeport has been combatant saying they have had bad breaks. "You think Bobby Biggs is going to beat my Lions with his record in the league? The guy has won, what, three games? His team is going to see just how angry my team is with our record, but when we win this game we still have a chance to make the playoffs. Biggs hasn't lived up to the billing Billy O'C bragged about. O'C isn't going to tell me about talent."  "Biggs is an excellent coach who is learning the league, and he will deliver, and when he does he is going to bring that wrath on Johnny big time," said Freeport's best friend Paddy Brannigan.

We don't know which is worse, the talk or the play of these two coaches. The buildup to this game has been silent for Coach Bobby Biggs. The Saints are beginning to show signs of making huge strides. They have five first round drafts from the February player base pool. New Orleans has been in every game this season, and they pulled off a huge win against the playoff contending Giants last week 24-21! The problem for the Saints is, they finish with three straight games on the road so all of this analysis could quickly target the play of Biggs again. Coach Joey Pizz, who has been a harsh critic of both Johnny-Freeport and Bobby Biggs said, "You can't hide in this league. You will be exposed. Biggs once bragged about what a great coach he is, and he still has refused to acknowledge the play of the coaches in this league. That's what I call delusional. If I joined a new league knowing I am a decent coach, and I was having my butt kicked week in and week out, I'd fess up to the solid play of the league." 

Bobby Biggs said, "You can't expect instant results in any league because you have to know what you're dealing with. I am not making up excuses. I was given underachieving teams in the league and I will make them winners." Between the Jaguars, Seahawks, and the Saints, Biggs best shot at any postseason games was with Seattle this season, but the Seahawks folded this week in their huge upset and embarrassing loss to the Eagles on the Seahawks own turf. It has been that kind of season.

THE GAME: 

With the Saints and Lions battling to stay in playoff contention, this game should be interesting. One thing is for certain and that is you can feel the energy of the New Orleans Saints who are slowly improving with their five number one draft picks. Their defensive line is tough and you have to earn every yard against them.

Detroit's LIEFL All-Pro running back Dexter Bussey took the opening kick off 48-yards, hit hard by New Orleans Saints back Reggie Bush, who made the stop. Bussey ran the ball twice on the first set of downs, but he was met by a hard hitting Saints defense who are not the same team we've seen in the past. This team is going to battle you on every play. Rookie Coach Bobby Biggs has the Saints on the move. On third down it was Detroit's Calvin Johnson who took a 24-yard first down to the 33 yard line of the Saints. But the New Orleans defense kicked in. On the Lions second time around on third down, it was speedy Calvin Johnson again who blazed across the middle of the field for a huge 62-yard touchdown play from Johnny-Freeport to give the Lions the lead 7-0, with 3:25 remaining and a half!

The second half kicked off with some fierce defense by Detroit. Defensive tackle Lomas Brown made his third tackle of the game, giving Brown nine for the season, after Reggie Bush ran for a Saints 15-yard first down. This was an impressive battle between both defenses with the New Orleans at the 50-yard line after losing 12-yards to the Detroit defense with just 6:39 remaining in the game. Lomas Brown took on three Saints players while making the tackle on one play. 

The Lions attempted to score on their last drive but was stopped by the Saints defense in a stand of solidarity and pride. Although the Saints have only won one game they put up a fierce battle and wall against one of the the best running backs in the game. Neither team had a hundred yard player today, and that is a testament to the defensive game that this was with the Lions beating the Saints 7-0! Lions star Calvin Johnson, finished with 86-yards for the Lions with one touchdown, a 62-yard pass reception, and that would be the only score of the day. The New Orleans Saints (1-4) may be finished for the season, but they have made huge strides. As for the Detroit Lions (2-3), perhaps the best is yet to come after this well earned win! Detroit Coach Johnny-Freeport said, "The rookie is paying the price for his decisions on the field and he just keeps on losing." Coach Bobby Biggs, who stood right there while Freeport ran his mouth said, "I am going to take a pass on responding to his nonsense. I will get the last laugh, just watch! The goal now at this point of the season is to be a spoiler. That is just as important as being on the other end of the coin."

PATRIOTS END COLTS UNBEATEN STREAK 10-7!

Colts (4-0) - Patriots (2-2) 

This isn't just any day, it is Veterans day! We appreciate the service to our country from all of our veterans. This will be the toughest matchup yet for alternate Coach Joe Bino's undefeated Indianapolis Colts. Playing against the New England Patriots at New England will be a challenging task, because the Colts have been dominant. The Patriots will have to find a way to take away the offense opportunities from the Patriots. The Colts will have their hands full trying to stop LIEFL All-Pro Rob Gronkowski and a well-coached Patriots football team.

Even though all  the attention of the LIEFL AFC East usually goes to the Dolphins and Bills, the Patriots are in the playoff picture still. A win over Indianapolis would get the Patriots closer to their goal of participating in a second consecutive postseason for New England. So, they are not out of this race by any means, and a win in this game at home could change the minds of those people in the league who think Buffalo will make the LIEFL Super Bowl. Regardless of the outcome, the road to the playoffs for the Patriots will be a huge challenge with a game in Washington with the (5-0) Redskins next week. Then New England finishes at home in a game that could spoil Denver's playoff hopes.

Indianapolis has dominated at home and on the road so far this season and they are only one of two teams still unbeaten with the other being the Washington Redskins (5-0). The Patriots will have their hands full with running back Joseph Addai, who seems to be unstoppable. The Patriots defense has to come up big today in the trenches.

THE GAME:

Going into this game we knew this would be an intense battle between the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. Coach Levi Vick has been practicing with his Patriots all week he said. He changed the player base for Pats running back Laurence Maroney to make a maximum impact in the New England backfield.

On the opening kickoff Rob Gronkowski was stuffed at the 26-yard line and pushed out of bounds by a stack of white jersey's. The Colts came out with some energy and Laurence Maroney performed for the Patriots He carried the ball six times for 27-yards on the first set of downs. On third down, it was New England receiver Randy Moss who broke free on a Levi Vick pass. Moss ran 26-yards to the 19-yard line to put the Patriots in scoring position for the first time in the game to end the first half!

The Patriots started the second half at the 19-yard line of Indianapolis. After two more runs by Laurence Maroney the Colts defense came up huge forcing a fourth down. On the crucial third down play Levi Vick could not make the connection to a wide open Kevin Faulk in the end zone, forcing a fourth down. The Patriots couldn't chance it so they kicked a 19-yard field goal to take the lead in the game 3-0, with 10:21 remaining. That was a huge decision for Levi Vick, especially turning the ball over to Indianapolis Star running back Joseph Addai. The most important thing for New England was to keep the ball out of Addai's hands for as long as they could, and they did just that.

On the ensuing kickoff Joseph Addai could only muster up 22-yards on the return. But two plays later Addai exploded on a 59-yard run downfield to the Patriots 25-yard line. One play later Addai darted 25 yards into the end zone to give the Indianapolis Colts the lead 7-3, with 4:34 left in the game! This game came right down to the final seconds.

On the ensuing kickoff Rob Gronkowski ran a spectacular 76-yard kick return to the Colts 24-yard line just when the Patriots needed it most. On first down Laurence Maroney was crushed by Colts linebacker Robert Mathis who made his third big tackle of the game for the Colts with 1:46 remaining in the game and the clock ticking down.
 

With just nine seconds left in the game, Randy Moss brilliantly broke free on the left side of the field for a 29-yard touchdown to give the Patriots the game winning touchdown over the previously unbeaten Colts, dealing Indianapolis their first loss of the season in a sensational game! 

Although the Colts played a brilliant defensive game, the resilient Patriots were bound to break through on one play against that Ironclad defense of the Colts. It was the play they needed to by freeing Randy Moss who won the game for New England! Wow!

INCREDIBLE PANTHERS BUCS GAME FINISHES IN EPIC WIN FOR CAROLINA IN OT 34-28!

Panthers (2-2) - Buccaneers (3-1) In the game of the week, the LIEFL featured the rival of rivals! If there was ever a time for Coach Joey Pizz Tampa Bay Buccaneers to rise to the occasion, today is the day. Matt Zoo-York's Carolina Panthers performed like champions, but so to did the Tampa Bay Bucs!  Both teams are playing at peak levels. They both have lots of stars in this game and the battle can go either way, especially if the Panthers special teams takes over and matches Tampa Bay's Jimmie Giles play for play.  We can't find many weaknesses in these two teams, and that is what makes this such an incredible matchup, on paper anyway!

On the opening kick return, the exciting Jimmie Giles ran back a 60-yard run, and the battle in the trenches began. Bucs running back Ricky Bell, who's been on the rise in the past two games was stopped on first down. But on second down Bell ran a spectacular electrifying 40-yard touchdown run around the left side of the Carolina defense to give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the lead, 7-0! Nobody said it was going to be easy in the final game on our schedule of week five.

Carolina's Greg Jones answered right back with a runback of 40-yards on the Panthers first possession, crossing lines and clashing into Bucs tackle Paul Gruber, who made a hard hitting tackle on Jones. At this point every game that is played between division rivals is like a playoff game in the battle for the division.

The Panthers wasted no time. It only took one play for DeShaun Foster to explode on the left side of the four hole for a 60-yard dart into the end zone to tie the game at 7-7, with 8:45 remaining and a half!

 

On the ensuing kickoff Buccaneers star Jimmie Giles was clocked hard at the 35-yard line by Carolina tackle, Stan McClover! It was running back Ricky Bell with help from Bucs tackle Davin Joseph that Bell made a spectacular run towards the middle of the field turning 65-yards into the end zone for a touchdown in one of the nicest plays of the year for a back! You think the Bucs want this game? Score, 14-7 Tampa Bay, with 5:11 remaining in the half. This might be the best Tampa Bay team we've seen in a long time! They are putting on a show, and so is Carolina! 

There is something in the air in Tampa Bay as Mike Alstott went head to head with Greg Jones on the ensuing kick return, stopping Jones at the Panthers own 35-yard line. After being stopped on first down, Panthers running back DeShaun Foster took an electrifying 38-yard run into the end zone to tie the score in the second half 14-14 in this nail biter! Words could not replace the excitement! 

If you read our articles you know that the curse of the Buccaneers is something that buzzes around the league because last season they built a reputation as spoilers. They destroyed the Jets hopes and several other teams like the Rams, by beating them on their own turf at pivotal times in the season, spoiling their hopes for the postseason. Could this be the year of the Bucs or Panthers? Before we speak too soon let's see what they're both made of as Jimmie Giles ran back another kick return, this time for 45-yards, hit hard by Panthers lineman Kris Jenkins. 

This has to be one of the best battles of the LIEFL season as Ricky Bell broke free for his third touchdown run of the game for 55-yards, as the Buccaneers take the lead with 11:15 remaining in the game 21-14! Ricky Bell has 160-yards rushing on one of the best defenses in the league!

Unbelievable!

On the next kickoff Greg Jones ran a speedy 69-yard kick return and Jones was spun around in circle by his own man, but then he broke free and took off towards the middle of the field where Jones was chased down by speedy Tampa Bay lineman LeRoy Selmon who made a super tackle.

What a game this is turned into. Panthers back DeShaun Foster from four yards out scored his third touchdown of the game to tie the score 21-21, with 6:47 remaining in the game! 

This game was so intense that the excitement was overwhelming! ...

On an unbelievable kick return on the ensuing kickoff Jimmie Giles ran back a 100-yard touchdown to give the Buccaneers or 28-21 lead, with 5:03 remaining in the game! Greg Jones tackled Giles just as he touched the line for the end zone! The excitement is incredible on that play and in this game!

Unreal! As if there were not enough excitement in the game, with time ticking down the Panthers got off one run by Greg Jones again. Then on second down, it was Greg Jones who took a 37-yard pass play into the end zone to tie the score 28-28, sending the game into overtime! Holy Cow! What a game! With the score tied 28-28, the Carolina Panthers won the coin toss in overtime. This may very well turn out to be the biggest heartbreak of Bucs Coach Pizz LIEFL career. Could this be the slaying of the curse of the Buccaneers? Call it a sword fight or whatever you like, but in this case the the Tampa Bay Buccaneers they lost the luck of the drawer on the coin toss this time.

OVERTIME:

On the kickoff and overtime Greg Jones ran back a 40-yard blast. In one of the best games of the year DeShaun Foster in overtime after two short runs, took a 56-yard touchdown around the right end of the Tampa Bay defense for the fourth time in the game to win the game 34-28 in 3:21 of overtime! This game is going to go down in history in the LIEFL record books!

The Buccaneers are not out of it by any means but they're going to lose the advantage to the Carolina Panthers and both teams battled to the death! The teams are both (3-2), but the Panthers have the edge in the playoff spot. DeShaun Foster earned Week #5 Player of the Week rushing for 216-yards on nine carries with four breakout touchdown runs of 60, 38, 4 yards, and the game-winning run of 56-yards into the end zone! Both Foster and Greg Jones outplayed the Bucs by a small step. Jones totaled 6 touches for 289 all-purpose yards with one touchdown. What a game it was! Coach Matt Zoo-York turned on his championship skills in an epic game!

The Panthers played their cards right with the remaining two games at home. Next week they play the game of the year for them against first place division rival Atlanta (4-1). Then they finish the season hosting the tough Houston Texans (2-3). 

 

What a Week#5 finish!

                                                                            LIEFL LEADERBOARD AFTER FIVE WEEKS

AFC Rushing YARDS

Team (Carries-Yards-TD’s-Longest Run)

1.     Holmes-KC 31-524-8/59

2.     Simpson-BUF 29-486-10/52TD

3.     Bell-NYJ 27-411-6/53

4.     Addai-IND 32-369-8/50TD

5.     Jackson-LVR 27-311-5/52TD

6.     M. Pruitt-CLE 38-311-5/50TD

7.     Davis-DEN 37-306-4/45TD

8.     Morris-MIA 30-297-4/49TD

9.     Henry-TEN 30-294-4/61TD

10.  Tomlinson-LAC 29-295-4/46TD

NFC Rushing YARDS

Team (Carries-Yards-TD’s-Longest Run)

1.     Riggs-ATL 38-604-7/61TD

2.     Foster-CAR 27-539-9/70TD

3.     Smith-DAL 39-482-6/66TD

4.     Middleton-GB 33-467-5/59TD

5.     Payton-CHI 26-421-7/65TD

6.     Lynch-SEA 26-359-8/63TD

7.     Byars-PHI 31-341-6/65TD

8.     Bell-TB 30-303-5/65TD

9.     Watters-SF 38-299-3/50TD

10.  Bush-NOS 34-295-5/50TD

AFC All-Purpose YARDS

1.     Addai-IND 47-1186-11/100TD J.

2.     Jay Brown-BUF 17-1185-6/6X100TD

3.     Casper-LVR 22-1175-6/3X100TD

4.     Swann-PIT 20-1171-7/5X100TDS

5.     Taylor-JAC 50-1080-7/2X100TD

6.     Dayne-HOU 44-952-5/100TD

7.     Duper-MIA 17-950-3/3X100TD

8.     Mason-BAL 13-886-5/5x100TD

9.     Davis-DEN 47-879-4/100TD

10.  Jim Brown-CLE 16-805-3/100TD

NFC All-Purpose YARDS

1.     Riggs-ATL 44-1227-8/100TD

2.     Lynch-SEA 41-1208-10/100TD

3.     Bussey-DET 46-1160-8/4x100TDS

4.     Giles-TB 20-1070-5/3X100TD

5.     Gault-CHI 16-1010-6/4X100TD

6.     Carmichael-PHI 16-945-2/2x100TDS

7.     Green-WAS 36-937-6/3x100TD

8.     Sharpe-GB 17-898-2/81

9.     Bush-NO 48-884-6/100TD

10.  Bradshaw-NYG 14-859-2/100TD

AFC Kick Return YARDS                                         

1.     Jay Brown-BUF 17-1185-6/6X100TD

2.     Casper-LVR 17-1052-3/3X100TD

3.     Swann-PIT 15-1006-5/5X100TDS

4.     Duper-MIA 16-935-3/3X100TD

5.     Taylor-JAC 14-909-1/100TD

6.     Mason-BAL 13-886-5/5x100TD

7.     Hill-KC 15-785-2/2x100TD

8.     Dayne-HOU 14-745-1/100TD

9.     Addai-IND 12-737-1/100TD

10.  Brown-CLE 12-714-1/100TD

NFC Kick Return YARDS

1.     Giles-TB 17-964-3/3x100TD

2.     Gault-CHI 14-941-4/4X100TD

3.     Carmichael-PHI 15-929-0/91

4.     Bussey-DET 14-914-4/4x100TDS

5.     Bradshaw-NYG 13-852- 3/3x100TDS

6.     Sharpe-GC 15-824-0/81

7.     Lynch-SEA 14-790-1/100TD

8.     Bruce-LAR 13-710-1/100TD

9.     Riggs-ATL 14-706-1/100TD

10.  Jones-CAR 13-690-1/100TD

AFC Receiving YARDS

1.     McCaffery-DEN 4-204-4/55TD

2.     Moss-NE 5-167-3/63TD

3.     Swann-PITT 5-165-2/37TD

4.     Griffin-HOU 3-153-3/57TD

5.     Gonzalez-KC 3-152-1/68

NFC Receiving YARDS

1.     Jones-AZ 5-192-5/50TD

2.     Bavaro-NYG 4-139-1/48

3.     Proehl-LAR 4-131-2/57TD

4.     H. Moore-DET 3-129-2/50TD

5.     Metcalf-AZ 4-127-1/65TD

 

LIEFL WEEK#6 SCHEDULE

1.      Falcons (4-1) at Panthers (3-2)

2.      Chiefs (2-3) at Jets (1-4)

3.      Raiders (2-3) at Packers (4-1)

4.      Saints (1-4) at Titans (1-4)

5.      Buccaneers (3-2) at Jaguars (1-4)

6.      Texans (2-3) at Bengals (2-3)

7.      Eagles (1-4) at Dolphins (4-1)

8.      Bears (3-2) at Broncos (4-1)

9.      Patriots (3-2) at Redskins (5-0)

10.  Cardinals (1-4) at 49ers (1-4)

11.  Bills (4-1) at Chargers (4-1)

12.  Rams (4-1) at Seahawks (1-4)

13.  Browns (1-4) at Steelers (2-3)

14.  THANKSGIVING GAME 1: Vikings (1-4) at Lions (2-3)

15. THANKSGIVING GAME 2: Giants (3-2) at Cowboys (3-2)

16.  THANKSGIVING GAME 3: Colts (4-1) at Ravens (3-2)

 

Game of the Week:

Player of the Week:

Edited November 12, 2023 by Long island EFL
INFO ADDED

[Long island EFL]

LIEFL PLAYOFF PICTURE OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN AFTER WEEK 5! 

SEEDINGS TO FOLLOW IN WEEK #7

AFC PLAYOFFS	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	NFC
Los Angeles (6-2)	4	1	62	47	8	4-0	0-1	2-0	3-1	1-0
Denver (3-4)	4	1	76	55	10	2-0	2-1	1-1	3-1	1-0
Indianapolis (3-4)	4	1	89	69	12	3-0	1-1	1-0	3-1	1-0
Miami (7-3)	4	1	71	62	9	3-0	1-1	1-0	4-0	0-1
Buffalo (4-3)	4	1	118	92	16	3-0	1-1	2-0	4-1	0-0
Baltimore (3-4)	3	2	76	69	10	2-0	1-2	2-0	2-1	1-1
New England (5-3)	3	2	58	71	7	2-0	1-2	0-2	2-2	1-0
TOTALS:

 

NFC PLAYOFFS	W	L	PF	PA	TD	H	A	DIV	CON	NFC
Washington (3-5)	5	0	76	40	10	3-0	2-0	2-0	4-0	1-0
Los Angeles (2-5) X	4	1	78	52	10	3-0	1-1	2-0	3-1	1-0
Green Bay (5-3)	4	1	89	73	11	2-0	2-1	2-0	4-1	0-0
Atlanta (5-3)	4	1	94	79	15	2-0	2-1	1-0	3-1	1-0
Dallas (2-5)	3	2	85	84	11	2-1	1-1	0-1	1-2	2-0
New York (7-3)	3	2	76	72	10	2-0	1-2	1-1	3-2	0-0
Chicago (3-4)	3	2	103	97	15	2-1	1-1	1-1	2-1	1-1
Carolina (5-3)	3	2	89	86	11	1-0	2-2	1-0	2-1	1-1
Tampa Bay (3-4)	3	2	97	92	13	2-2	2-0	0-2	2-2	1-0
TOTALS:

 

[Long island EFL]

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